Silencing Your Inner Critic

I recently did a reading for a distressed lady, who informed me that she almost felt like she has a “ghost or demon” inside her.

“It taunts me,” she said, “and is negative about everything I say and do.”

I reassured her that she only has a glorious, powerful, bright soul inside her, like everyone else. What she has been ‘hearing’ is simply her inner critic – that part of herself that is always negative about life that she had developed at a very young age due to a difficult childhood.

I advised her that it was time for her to silence ther inner critic, and upon reflection she agreed to work towards this goal. It took several months of guidance and hard work, but today she is a much happier person due to taking the necessary action to silence the little voice inside that had been preventing her from living life to her fullest potential.

We all have such an inner critic, some more than others. But how do we silence it? In my experience, there are several effective ways to achieve this.

Become Aware Of Your Thoughts

Pay careful attention to your preferred thought processes. Often, negative self-talk and toxic thoughts stems from unwarranted insecurities. To silence your inner critic, actively note your everyday thoughts. Ask yourself what you can do to correct undeserved or ridiculous self-criticism and negative thinking. Then, take relevant action to transform your thought process towards a more positive, self-accepting mindset.

To effectively silence your inner critic, you must commit to talking to yourself more positively. You need to commit to using positive, empowering words. Creating personal affirmations and finding positive quotes are great ways of going about this. Doing so helps to silence the inner critic and boosts your self-confidence.

Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’ ~ Jake Remington

Keep A Self-Empowerment Journal

Often, our inner critic seems to be merely speaking a harsh truth or offering constructive suggestions for our improvement. There are multiple benefits to writing down these thoughts in a journal. This process helps you challenge false negative thoughts and limiting beliefs and ultimately to silence the inner critic.

The first step in trying to silence the inner critic is to acknowledge it.  Don’t try to avoid or ignore these negative thoughts. Instead, shine the light of truth on them! Journaling helps you to get a clearer perspective, while dealing effectively with unwanted negative emotions. By writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, you learn to deal with any negative ones more objectively.

It is sometimes said that the inner critic is a type of survival mechanism that makes us question our actions before carrying them out.  Although this inner voice may seem loud and domineering, it is actually tiny compared to your true creative and spiritual potential. Writing regularly in your journal, preferably daily, can help you remember the bright, creative reality of who you really are and find the courage to express it. Doing so helps to silence the inner critic.

Cultivate Your Inner Cheerleader

Replace that nasty inner critic with the inspiring, growth-oriented voice of your inner cheerleader! This growth-oriented inner voice tells you to step up, contribute to life, and make a difference in the world.  It inspires you to let your love light shine. Ultimately, this voice wants to help you become the best version of yourself; to become a more confident, compassionate person who can express your best self at all times.

Unlike the growth-oriented inner cheerleader, your inner critic is more like a parentified child who grew up too fast to protect herself from adult reality. It allowed you to developed maladaptive coping mechanisms. When you confront your inner critic, show it empathy and compassion. Ask what it is trying to tell you, but don’t be afraid of challenging what you hear! Also, look for any evidence of what is being said to you. Can it be proven that your inner critic is right? More often than not, the answer is likely to be a resounding no.

Winning the war of words inside your soul means learning to defy your inner critic ~ Steven Furtick

Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

One of the best ways to silence the inner critic is to stop comparing yourself to others. This habit causes you to focus on others, when you should be focusing on yourself.

The inner critic typically only reflects on your shortcomings and weaknesses.  If you compare yourself to others, you will always find something lacking in yourself.  It damages your self-confidence, prevents you from realising your potential, and makes you doubt your own abilities.

The best way to effectively silence your personal inner critic is to accept yourself and focus on your strengths and unique abilities. Once you fully accept yourself, you can be more confident in achieving your life goals.

Tune Out The Naysayers

I remember a bank manager telling me back in 1984 that I would probably go bankrupt at a young age, as there was no way he could see that I would be able to pay off my debts.  I also remember relatives and friends telling me that I would never be able to become successfully self-employed, as I ”do not have what it takes.” Well, respectfully, they were all very, very wrong.

It is always sensible to consider wise, well-intentioned advice from others, but never let other people’s negative opinions and narrow-minded ideas get in the way of your personal and professional growth. They are only feeding your inner critic with more negativity to bombard you with.

It does not matter what other people think or believe, or what your inner critic may try to make you believe.  By not taking on board what others say, when you know in your heart you can accomplish what you intend to, you will be successful in your endeavours.